This is exactly what Christ promised: that whatever the Church binds on earth, He will bind in heaven.
I think that's a good summary of what divides us. Who is really running the show? My impression is that you believe that God really did take the "keys to heaven" out of His own hands and place them in the hands of men, as if man needs a "key" to get into heaven. We do not. We only need Christ, not a key from a man.
In your statement you literally have God FOLLOWING man. You might say that is by God's design according to scriptures, but can that possibly make sense to you? You describe a reactive God, not a sovereign one or one who is in full control. God does not follow man, it is the reverse. God does not wait to see what the Church will declare as infallible and then say "OK, that's the law in heaven from now on...".
This is fundamental to my "issues" with Catholicism. Delegation of power and authority can be "within" or "away from". I see Catholicism as having much power delegated away from God to men. I believe that any delegation of power or authority by God is TOKEN in nature, and that God retains ALL power and authority to Himself. God knows how He made us. We know NOT what we do. God's love for us is WHY He does not leave our destiny up to ourselves. It is WHY He does not leave us in charge.
Sure I do.
And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven (Matthew 16:18)God following man.
My impression is that you believe that God really did take the "keys to heaven" out of His own hands and place them in the hands of men, as if man needs a "key" to get into heaven.
No, I think it is rather clear that Christ spoke of the key metaphorically and was referring to the power of His Church, headed by St. Peter, to legislate on spiritual matters.
This thread should be put into book form and published.
Unquestionably the most erudite and intelligent thread we have ever had at FR.
I have tried to keep up, but most of you are putting up points that it takes me a while to ponder and absorb.
Multiply 9000 by "a while" and you end up with "a looooong while."
Thanks for keeping this going. And for keeping the discussion at such an elevated level.
This is the best of what we are and can be.
(btw: Until I started followng this thread I thought I was pretty sharp. I feel like a dolt [in a good way] now).